East Clinton posted an unbeaten SBAAC National Division season in 2021-22 en route to a Division III Region 12 runnerup finish. The Astros were 21-6 and lost to eventual state champion Purcell-Marian in the Region 12 title game.
After a blowout win in their post-season opener, East Clinton won three straight edge-of-your-seat contests by a combined nine points.
Libby Evanshine (15.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.7 steals) was National Division player of the year and Bill Bean earned coach of the year honors in the National Division last season.
Bean (34-16 in the previous two years) will again be assisted by Brian Barnes and Misty Bean at the varsity level, Angie Collom as reserve coach and Steve Sodini in the junior high program.
East Clinton lost just one player to graduation, second leading scorer Kelsi Lilly. Third leading scorer Lauren Runyon was injured during volleyball and will likely miss most, if not all, of the season.
Jordan Collom, Runyon and Evanshine all earned first team All-SBAAC honors. Evanshine has been a three-time first team player.
In all there are nine letterwinners and four returning starters, though Runyon won’t go at the start of the season.
Bean said Megan Hadley, Liz Schiff and Chloe Scott are newcomers to note.
The long-time basketball coach said he likes the work ethic of his team, noting they want to succeed. He added they are very unselfish on the court.
Bean said his team must rebound better and get in basketball shape after having such a long and successful volleyball season.
“This is a great group that works very hard and is determined to be successful,” said Bean, who posted goals of repeating as National Division and district champions.
